✈️ Kindled

Good morning, Fayette County. Yes, it's still cold out there. But while you're bundled up indoors with your coffee, someone's still answering the call. Let's give a shout out to the firefighters and paramedics of Fayette County Fire and Emergency Services.

Here's what most people don't realize: Fayette County Fire isn't just fighting fires. They cover all unincorporated areas plus the towns of Tyrone, Brooks, and Woolsey, with EMS services also provided to Fayetteville. The department operates out of eight stations with over 150 personnel, including career firefighters, volunteers, and support staff, working around the clock.

Every single firefighter is cross-trained as either an Advanced EMT or Paramedic, which means when a fire engine shows up to your medical emergency, they're fully equipped to start treatment immediately. The department runs seven Advanced Life Support ambulances daily, plus two in reserve.

Here's something to be proud of: Last summer, Fayette County became the first department in Georgia EMS Region 4, a 12-county area, to implement a blood transfusion program. That means paramedics can now administer life-saving blood transfusions in those critical minutes before reaching a trauma center. According to Assistant Chief Scott Roberts, an average of 20 patients per year could benefit from this capability. Research shows that for every minute a transfusion is delayed, the risk of death increases by 11%.

The department is led by Fire Chief Jeffrey Hill, who put it best: "Come create your story with us, as we create a safe community for you." If you see a Fayette County fire truck or ambulance roll by, give them a wave. They're out there 24/7, ready to answer the call.

- Chad Stroud

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Fun Spot America Atlanta received approval for annexation into the city, clearing the way for the amusement park to expand its offerings. The annexation has been a multi-step process. Fun Spot previously received an extension on their Step-One annexation approval back in September 2025. The park, located at 1675 Highway 85 North, has operated in the area since 1990 when it opened as Dixieland Fun Park, later becoming Fun Junction USA before being acquired by Fun Spot America Theme Parks in July 2017. Fun Spot America Atlanta has grown to become the third-largest amusement park in Georgia, featuring the ArieForce One roller coaster, multiple go-kart tracks, and over two dozen family attractions. Annexation into the city will give Fun Spot access to city services and streamline future expansion plans

Fayette County families can begin registering their children for the 2026-27 school year starting Monday, February 2. The district encourages early registration to help plan classroom needs and staffing across the county's schools. Parents of rising kindergarteners should note that children must turn five by September 1, 2026 to enroll. Registration can be completed online through the Fayette County Public Schools website at fcboe.org. Early registration helps ensure a smooth start when classes resume in August.

Fayette County Sheriff's Office bloodhound K9 Rufus recently achieved a career milestone, successfully tracking and locating a homicide suspect who fled a residence barefoot in the early morning hours, losing a sock along the way. The search marked Rufus's first homicide tracking case. Rufus Rae Pilgrim is a 4-year-old man-trailing bloodhound who shares a birthday with Thanksgiving Day. His name carries special significance: Rufus is a biblical name that also means "red-haired" in Latin, a fitting tribute to his vibrant personality reminiscent of the classic country song "Ol' Red."

His handler, Lt. Whitlock, began his journey as a K9 handler in 2008 and was selected to become an instructor with the National Police Bloodhound Association in 2016. Together, they train their hounds from the age of 12 weeks, engaging in continuous training that allows them to be deployable by around 10 months old.

According to the Sheriff's Office, Rufus has a big appetite for treats and loves them all. His distinctive bark and joyful howls can be heard above all the other hounds, showcasing his energetic spirit. He's not fond of being left out of the action and loves to be the center of attention. That personality paid off when it mattered most. Congratulations to Lt. Whitlock and Rufus on this milestone, and thank you for your hard work keeping Fayette County safe.

A light week on the government meeting front. The Peachtree City Council work session on Thursday, February 5 at 9:30 AM has been cancelled. The Tyrone Town Council meets Thursday, February 5th at 7:00 PM. On the agenda: council will appoint a Mayor Pro Tem for a term through December 2026, hear the audited financial report for fiscal year 2025, and consider authorizing staff to apply for a static military display at Veterans Park. The council will also vote on awarding a storm drainage improvements project and review 90% plans for the East Crestwood Resurfacing and Multi-Use Path project.

Preschool Time @ the Library (Ages 2-4)

Tai-Chi at Kiwanis Center

Preschool Storytime (Ages 3-5)

BabyTime (Ages 0-2)

Pokémon League @ the Library

52 🌡️ 27 | ⛅ | 0% | 💨 SW 7 mph (6 knots)

59 🌡️ 46 | ☁️ | 10% | 💨 S 8 mph (7 knots)

54 🌡️ 29 | 🌧️ | 60% | 💨 W 12 mph (10 knots)

50 🌡️ 24 | ⛅ | 10% | 💨 NW 10 mph (9 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 34ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Peachtree the night before publication

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